The declaration comes was requested by the Somerset Partnership NHS Trust, Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Musgrove Park Hospital and supported by South Western Ambulance Service, amid concerns essential staff were unable to get to their place of work due to the snow.

Drivers have had to abandon their vehicles and there's been widespread disruption on the roads after the Met Office issued a red weather warning for Somerset and parts of Devon.

Police have been out and about in the community despite the weather

100 motorists trapped on the A303 near Ilminster had to be rescued after becoming trapped in heavy snow.

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“We’ve experienced extreme weather conditions over the past few hours and there are continuing RED and AMBER Met Office weather warnings which will pose further challenges ahead.

“We expect the disruptive snowfall and icy conditions to continue overnight and we’re urging people to cancel their travel plans tomorrow morning and stay off the roads for all but essential travel.

“At the moment, we’re co-ordinating a rescue operation to help people stranded in their vehicles in multiple locations across Somerset, including around 100 vehicles stuck in snow on the A303 at Ilminster.

“This operation is being supported by a number of volunteers and voluntary agencies, including Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue, Exmoor Search and Rescue, Burnham Area Rescue Boat (which has 4x4 vehicles) and Wessex 4x4 Response, along with other emergency services and Her Majesty’s Coastguard.

“If you are stranded, please stay in your vehicle, call for assistance and wait for help to arrive. Don’t abandon your vehicle as it can hamper the efforts of emergency services.”

Police advice during the severe weather warning

Police and other emergency services are urging people not to travel while the most severe weather warnings are in place.

If you become stranded, stay in your vehicle, call for assistance and wait for help to arrive. Don’t abandon your vehicle as it can hamper the efforts of emergency services. If you see a snow plough, please move out of the way to let it through.

Are you stuck on the roads tonight? Get it touch by messaging Somerset Live on Facebook or Tweet @SomersetLive.

Here's who to contact at Somerset Live and when with news of travel and snow updates:

ruth.ovens@midsomnews.co.uk - from 7am until 2pm on Friday, March 2

james.wood@westgaz.co.uk - from 2pm until 10pm on Friday, March 2

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